Cornas Lieu-Dit « Les Côtes » 2021

A locality in the south of the municipality of Cornas, “Les Côtes” is a mid-hillside plot in the shape of an amphitheatre. The soil comprises granite and saprolites from the crystalline basement. Most of the vines in this plot were planted in 1911, and the cuvée made with its grapes was called “Les Vires”.

Soils

granitic, terraced

Grapes variety

syrah

Viticulture

High-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides or pesticides, few treatments (depending on weather), small amount of organic-only fertiliser, with respect of soil and vine balance. Vigour and yield control, leaf-thinning and green harvesting to promote grape maturation.

Vinification

The grapes are hand-picked; and then sorted, crushed and partially destemmed in the cellar. Fermented in open, temperature-controlled vats for about 3 weeks, with regular cap-punching and pumping-over. Malolactic-fermented in barriques with native yeasts.

Maturing

18 months in barriques.

Tasting notes

a complex, profound wine with a nose of jammy dark fruits, tapenade and roasted coffee beans. Attractive, elegant length, with ripe tannins and a long, powerful finish.

Ageing

wine made for laying down; slightly hard when young. Preferable to wait 4-5 years, but it can age 15 years or more.

Food pairing

characterful meat such as lamb or duck (e.g. confit of lamb shank with cherry tomatoes, honey and rosemary).